Dreaming of a “sí quiero” uttered amidst the turquoise waters and lush Mayan Riviera jungle? Hotel Xcaret Mexico offers a stunning backdrop, all-inclusive convenience, and a dedicated wedding team to make your fairytale a reality. This detailed guide explores everything you need to know, including real cost data to help you plan your dream destination wedding.
Is Hotel Xcaret a good fit for my wedding?
This venue shines for couples seeking a luxurious, stress-free destination wedding. Here’s what makes it stand out:
Breathtaking Backdrops: Imagine exchanging vows under a Mayan archway overlooking the Caribbean Sea, or saying “I do” in a cenote, a natural sinkhole surrounded by lush greenery. Hotel Xcaret offers a variety of stunning ceremony locations, each with its unique charm.
All-Inclusive Convenience: Their “All-Fun Inclusive®” concept simplifies planning. Most wedding packages cover ceremony and reception venue rental, food and beverage (think delicious Mexican cuisine and international options), unlimited drinks, wedding cake, basic décor elements, entertainment (depending on the package), and even non-motorized water sports for guests staying at the hotel.
Cultural Immersion: Incorporate Mayan traditions into your ceremony or reception. Hotel Xcaret offers cultural experiences like fire dance performances or Mayan blessings to add a touch of local flavor.
Variety of Venues
Whether you dream of an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, Hotel Xcaret has the perfect space. Here’s a breakdown of some popular options with their approximate capacities:
Smaller, Romantic Settings (20-50 Guests): Imagine exchanging vows by the mystical Xcacel cenote or enjoying a beachfront ceremony at Cape Lookout.
Medium-Sized Venues (50-100 Guests): The Spa Cove offers a secluded and tranquil atmosphere, while the Xcaret Chapel, a charming venue overlooking the Caribbean, provides a touch of elegance.
Larger Locations (100+ Guests): For a grand celebration, consider the Playa Arena, a vast beach area, or the Las Cuevas Ballroom, a naturally carved cave transformed into a stunning reception space.
How does a wedding at an all-inclusive work?
Hotel Xcaret’s “All-Fun Inclusive®” concept takes the stress out of planning and budgeting. Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically included in most wedding packages:
Ceremony and Reception Venue Rental: Your chosen location for both exchanging vows and celebrating with loved ones.
Food and Beverage: A delectable spread featuring Mexican specialties and international cuisine. From fresh seafood to sizzling fajitas, your guests will be delighted.
Unlimited Drinks: Enjoy a selection of domestic and international drinks throughout your wedding festivities.
Wedding Cake: A beautiful and delicious cake to mark the occasion.
Basic Table Linens and Chairs: The venue provides the foundation for your décor.
Some Décor Elements: Expect basic floral arrangements and centerpieces to create a wedding atmosphere.
Entertainment (Depending on the Package): Depending on your chosen package, some basic entertainment like a DJ or live music might be included.
Non-Motorized Water Sports for Guests Staying at the Hotel: Keep your guests entertained with activities like kayaking or paddleboarding during their stay.
Do the bride and groom pay for a destination wedding?
Traditionally, the couple or the bride’s family covers the wedding expenses. However, modern trends allow for flexibility. Here are some options:
Couple-Funded Wedding: If you’re financially independent, you might choose to cover all the costs yourselves.
Shared Expenses: Some couples split the costs with their families. Discuss expectations openly with both sides.
Wedding Registry: Create a registry to allow guests to contribute to specific gifts or experiences related to your wedding or honeymoon.
Guest Contribution Option: While not always traditional, some couples choose to create a wedding website where guests can contribute towards travel costs if they wish to attend.
Capacity
Spa Cove (50-70 Guests): This tranquil cove surrounded by lush greenery offers a serene setting for your ceremony or reception.
Xcaret Chapel (70-100 Guests): A charming open-air chapel overlooking the Caribbean Sea provides a touch of elegance for your ceremony.
Playa Arena (100+ Guests): This vast beach area is perfect for a grand celebration under the stars. Imagine saying “I do” with the sound of waves crashing in the background.
Las Cuevas Ballroom (150+ Guests): For a truly unique experience, consider this naturally carved cave transformed into a stunning reception space. Imagine dancing the night away surrounded by dramatic rock formations.
Transitioning between Ceremony and Reception
Hotel Xcaret’s wedding planners excel at creating seamless transitions between your ceremony and reception. Here’s how it might work:
Same Location: If you choose a venue that offers dedicated ceremony and reception areas, like the Xcaret Chapel with an adjoining reception space, transitioning is effortless. Guests simply move to the designated reception area after the ceremony.
Different Locations: The wedding planners will ensure a smooth flow even if your ceremony and reception locations are separate. For example, following a beach ceremony at Cape Lookout, guests might be escorted via golf carts to a nearby reception venue like the Spa Cove.
Venue Rental Fees and Backup Plans
The venue rental fee varies depending on the chosen location, date, and guest count. Here’s a range to give you an idea:
Smaller Venues (20-50 Guests): Expect a starting price of around $5,000 USD.
Medium-Sized Venues (50-100 Guests): Rental fees typically range from $7,000 USD to $12,000 USD.
Larger Locations (100+ Guests): For grand celebrations at Playa Arena or Las Cuevas Ballroom, prices can start from $15,000 USD and go up depending on the season and specific features.
Remember: For a specific quote, contact Hotel Xcaret directly.
What about rain?
Don’t worry, Hotel Xcaret has backup plans! Most outdoor ceremony locations have a covered area nearby that can be used in case of inclement weather. Additionally, indoor ceremony spaces are always available for peace of mind.
Payment, Cancellation, and Planning
Payment terms and cancellation policies vary depending on the chosen package and season. Here’s a general guideline:
Payments: Typically, a deposit is required to secure your date, with remaining balances due closer to the wedding date. Specific payment schedules will be outlined in your wedding contract.
Cancellation: Cancellation policies vary depending on the package and how far out you are from your wedding date. Carefully review the contract before signing.
Hotel Xcaret offers on-site wedding coordination services for an additional fee, typically ranging from $2,000 USD to $5,000 USD depending on the level of service. These services can be invaluable, taking the stress out of planning and ensuring a smooth and successful wedding day.
Dietary Restrictions and Entertainment
Hotel Xcaret caters to most dietary needs, ensuring everyone enjoys your special day. Here’s what you can expect:
Menu Options: They offer a variety of menus featuring delicious Mexican cuisine and international options. Discuss your needs with the catering team during the planning stages. Popular choices include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free selections.
Customization: Discuss any specific dietary restrictions with the catering team. They can create custom menus to accommodate allergies or preferences.
Live it Up with Entertainment
Hotel Xcaret allows live bands and DJs to create a lively atmosphere at your reception. Here are some additional details:
Variety of Entertainment Options: Choose from a DJ spinning your favorite tunes or a live band setting the mood. The hotel might also offer traditional Mayan cultural performances as an add-on.
Noise Restrictions: While live music is allowed, there might be limitations on sound levels, especially for outdoor receptions. Discuss specifics with the wedding planners to ensure your party adheres to regulations.
Parking: Hotel Xcaret provides complimentary parking for your guests during their stay.
Photography Services
While not mandatory, hiring a professional photographer is highly recommended to capture your special day in stunning detail. Vendor fees for outside photographers are usually 1000 USD. Some photographers might offer special packages for Hotel Xcaret weddings, so be sure to inquire about costs during your initial contact with the hotel. Additionally, research independent photographers familiar with the venue to compare pricing options.
Total Cost Breakdown
Providing a definitive cost breakdown is difficult as it depends heavily on your specific choices. Here’s a general idea to help you budget:
Wedding Package: Prices range from $2,500 USD for a small ceremony with basic inclusions to upwards of $20,000 USD or more for a larger celebration with premium features and upgrades.
Additional Fees: On-site coordination, photography, additional décor, upgraded food and beverage options, entertainment customizations, etc., can significantly impact the overall cost. Be sure to factor in these potential expenses when creating your budget.
Wedding Packages
Hotel Xcaret offers various wedding packages, each catering to different budgets and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of what some packages might typically include:
- Basic Package: This might cover your ceremony and reception location rental, basic food and beverage options, a wedding cake, and some essential décor elements.
- Mid-Range Package: Expect inclusions from the basic package, plus upgrades like premium food and beverage options, additional décor elements, and potentially some basic entertainment.
- Luxury Package: This top-tier package might offer the most luxurious inclusions, such as a dedicated chef-curated menu, premium open bar options, top-tier décor elements, and high-end entertainment options like a live band or a fire dance performance.
Remember: Upgrades and add-ons can significantly impact the final price.
What About Discounts
Consider these options for potential savings:
Off-Peak Seasons: Summer months typically see lower guest volume, so you might find slightly better pricing on wedding packages during this time.
Weekdays: Weddings held on weekdays (excluding weekends) may also offer slight cost advantages.
Early Booking: Planning your wedding well in advance allows you to take advantage of any early booking promotions the hotel might offer.
Contact Hotel Xcaret directly for the latest deals and promotions.
Do you need a wedding photographer?
While not mandatory, hiring a professional photographer is highly recommended. Here’s why:
Capture Memories: Professional photographers have the expertise to capture the emotions, details, and beauty of your wedding day in stunning photographs you’ll cherish forever.
Experience with the Venue: Photographers familiar with Hotel Xcaret can leverage the unique backdrops and lighting conditions to create truly magical images.
Additional Tips:
- Start planning early, especially if your wedding falls during peak season (winter months). Popular dates book up quickly, so secure your preferred date well in advance.
- Research additional vendor fees. This includes hair and makeup stylists, florists, transportation for you and potentially your guests if necessary, and any other vendor services you require.
- Consider travel costs for yourself and your guests. Destination weddings often involve travel expenses for attendees. Factor this into your overall budget.
- Don’t hesitate to ask Hotel Xcaret’s wedding team any questions you may have. Their expertise and experience can be invaluable in planning your dream wedding.
By following this guide and utilizing Hotel Xcaret’s resources, you can plan a stress-free and unforgettable destination wedding in paradise
Our Xcaret Photography Packages
Ready to preserve every unforgettable moment of your Cancun wedding? Explore our photography packages, designed to perfectly suit your preferences and budget. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a lavish celebration, I’ll be there to capture every detail of your love story with artistry and attention to detail. Take a look at our packages!
Pin for Later
Wow, you’ve reached the end! I hope you found my guide useful! Before you leave, be sure to save these graphics to your Pinterest board. This way, you can easily revisit this guide whenever you need it throughout your planning journey.
RIVIERA MAYA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
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